Police search for Canon City man

CANON CITY — A man who was shot by law officers during a New Year’s Day crime spree is again being sought by authorities on a $10,000 warrant for allegedly violating bail bond conditions.

John Freyta

John Freyta, 46, is charged with two felony counts of attempted second-degree assault on Canon City police officer Timothy Bell and Fremont County sheriff’s Deputy Christopher Pape. He also is charged with vehicular eluding, violation of a protection order, resisting arrest and obstruction of a peace officer.

Freyta, who has worked as a Federal Bureau of Prisons employee, was released from jail on $15,000 bail.

“After bonding out of jail, he (allegedly) contacted the original victim of the protection order that started the whole incident before the shooting on January 1,” said Capt. Don Pinover of the Fremont County Sheriff’s Office.

According to an arrest warrant affidavit, police initially were called to the 1300 block of Reed Lane on Jan. 1, when the victim’s daughter heard arguing and called to report a restraining order violation. Responding officers were advised that Freyta had a concealed weapons permit.

Freyta reportedly led authorities on a high-speed chase before driving his vehicle off a cliff at the end of Tunnel Drive and running on foot away from authorities. He reportedly threw rocks at Bell, prompting Bell to shoot several times at Freyta.

Freyta was treated at a Colorado Springs hospital for two minor bullet wounds to the side and one in the elbow. Bell and Pape were both placed on administrative leave with pay for 24 days while the incident was investigated.

Both officers were cleared of any wrongdoing and returned to duty Friday. Freyta had made an initial court appearance Jan. 15 and was slated to return to court Feb. 19 for plea and sentencing.